Monthly Archives: October 2019

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Fontwell Park racecourse in West Sussex has two racedays to look forward to in November at this only figure of eight jumping track in the country.

The first is a Winter Afternoon Raceday on Friday November 8, when gates open at 11.30am for the six jumps races. The first race starts at 13.25, with the last one at 16.10pm.

Highly competitive jump racing at Fontwell ParkPhoto: Jeannie Knight

This raceday will operate in one enclosure at this meeting. This means you can enjoy the perks of Premier Admission with a Paddock Ticket.

The second raceday in November features the return of the Southern National to Fontwell Park on Sunday November 17, which will be covered by ITV Racing. Gates open at 10.30am and the first of seven races is at 12.25pm.

The Southern National fixture is one of Fontwell Park’s biggest race days of the year. It is a three mile three furlongs test of endurance. Be there to experience the thrill and the action of National Hunt Racing at close quarters.

This race last year, sponsored by Sun Racing, was won by nine-year-old Shanroe Santos (IRE) trained by Lucy Wadham and ridden by local jockey Leighton Aspell. This winner was sent off at 4-1 on that occasion.

Local jockey Liam Treadwell who rode the winner of the Sussex National at Fontwell Park in 2018 with Shanroe Santos, trained by Lucy Wadham Photo: Jeannie Knight

Fontwell Park admission prices at this meeting include access to an additional bar, food outlets and betting facilities in the Land & Power Premier Grandstand, as well as seating opposite the Winning Post and additional seating out on the terrace, overlooking Fontwell Gardens – the perfect, peaceful spot to study the form.

The relaxed nature at Fontwell Park carries through to its requirements for dress code, with a smart casual policy for the Premier Enclosure and Hospitality suites. Racegoers are asked to dress for the weather because Fontwell Park holds race meetings all year round and conditions can vary.

Children under 18 go free when accompanied by an adult. ID may be required.

FOLLOWING the success of the 2019 Horse of the Year Show, the showing judges for the 2020 show have been announced.

Each year the NEC transforms into a hub for equestrian fans as they arrive in their masses to compete or watch who will be crowned the ultimate horse or pony of the year for their given discipline and championship.

The 2020 Horse of the Year Show will take place from Wednesday 7th – Sunday 11th October, with the first qualifier taking place in spring. Here is a list of the judges for HOYS 2020:

Class

Conformation

Ride/Show

British Ridden Heavy Horse

W E Massey

Jack Cochrane

Children’s Riding Pony of the Year

Penny Clifford

Stephanie Smith

Cob of the Year

Moggy Hennessey

Kathleen Barley

Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year

Philippa Kirby

Emma Boardman

Supreme In-Hand Championship

Charles Gordon-Watson

Rosemary Rennocks

Hack of the Year

Anne Varley

Lucinda Haines

Harness Champion of the Year

Vanessa Neal

Allen King

Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

Jack Cochrane

Hannah Buchanan

Intermediate Show Riding Type of the Year

Nigel Oliver

Katie Davis

Junior M&M Ridden Pony of the Year

Vivien Hampton

Adrienne Dale

Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year

John Maynard

Jo Hales

Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year

Hannah Buchanan

M&M Mini Pony of the Year

Nigel Oliver

M&M Ridden Pony of the Year

To be released at a later date due to possible reformatting of the class

M&M Working Hunter Pony of the Year

Lorayne Ahmet

Anna Stevens

Maxi Cob of the Year

John Poole

Kathleen Barley

Mini Show Pony of the Year

Anne Leaver

Miniature Horse of the Year

John Maynard

Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year

Anne Leaver

Sarah Coulter

Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year

Annette Dixon

Jordan Cook

Riding Horse of the Year

TBC

John Poole

Shire Horse of the Year

Richard Green

Show Hunter of the Year

Mary Low

Louise Daly

Show Hunter Pony of the Year

Phillip Williams

Clare Frost

Small Show Hunter of the Year

Angus McDonald

Margaret Hopkins

Supreme Horse and Pony of the Year

To be confirmed

Working Hunter of the Year

Angus McDonald

Margaret Hopkins

Working Hunter Pony of the Year

Sarah Coulter

Peter Molloy

The M&M Ridden Pony of the Year judges will be released later this autumn while changes to the class format are discussed.

A list of qualifying shows/venues will be released in due course and tickets will go on sale in the New Year for what promises to be another exceptional event. For show information, visit https://hoys.co.uk/

At the Pierre hotel in New York City today, Wednesday October 30, a cast bronze sculpture entitled ‘Horse and Rider ‘ which some scholars claim is a long lost da Vinci will go under the hammer at Alan Ettinger’s auction house, Guernsey’s.

Experts are still are discussing whether the original wax figurine from which “Horse and Rider” was cast from was actually sculpted by Leonardo da Vinci 500 years ago.

Bloomberg.com’s expert, Katya Kazakina, said the armour depicted on the horse in the figurine could not be from 1400s Milan, which is where Da Vinci’s original sponsor is said to be from.

But Dr. Constance Moffat, who studied under the late renowned Da Vinci scholar, Carlo Pedretti, actually said that Milan did use the archaic armour featured on the horse in the 1400s. And it was stated in a book written about the sculpture that it absolutely was a Da Vinci.

She also said in an interview with Horse and Rider that it is likely an original Leonardo.

Still, the question remains, is the original wax mould from which this bronze was cast really sculpted by Da Vinci? If so, the only extant bronze sculpture could potentially be worth up to 50 million dollars.

Whether it is a fake or not may never be confirmed, but it will be significant to see how much this sculpture sells for at the auction today, Wednesday October 30.

British Riding Club and Interdressage are running an online competition league, covering dressage and a number of other disciplines, over the winter months.

This is open to all BRC Clubs and Riding Club Centres, now with great monthly NAF prizes too.

The League started in October and ends on April 30 2020. It has been designed to encourage more BRC Riding Club and Riding Club Centre members to ‘Give Interdressage a Go,’ by making it possible for you to ride your tests/classes in a relaxed manner from the comfort of familiar surroundings.

It is suitable for absolutely any level of rider, from the true beginner to the more advanced competitor.

All you need is an arena, or fairly flat, marked out field and a friend to film your test, then just upload to YouTube and enter via the Inter-dressage website: www.interdressage.com. It is even possible with a camera and tripod to record your own test.

An Inter-dressage league competitor recording her test. Photo: BRC Inter-dressage

As well as Dressage at various levels, Inter-dressage offers Baroque Dressage, Style Jumping, Ridden and In Hand Showing, plus Practical Horsemanship and Handy Horse classes, and from time to time a number of fun Novelty classes, including a charity Hobby Horse Dressage class.

All the tests are professionally judged, with comprehensive feedback and cost just £12.00 per class to enter. So a huge range of great value classes to have a go at. This year, each month NAF will be awarding the highest placed BRC Interdressage individual competitor with a special prize.

At the end of the League we will be awarding impressive BRC rosettes for the winning Riding Club / Riding Club Centre and a wonderful overall individual prize from sponsor NAF, plus a rosette and sash. In addition the highest placed four winning Club/Centre riders and overall winning individual rider will be invited to lunch and a presentation at the BRC NAF Five Star National Horse Trials Championships, at Swalcliffe Park Equestrian, in August 2020.

All the monthly Interdressage classes also have rosettes up to 10th place, with prize money awarded too, and you could be competing Internationally with riders from all over the World taking part. There is a great social Interdressage Facebook page for any questions or tips and advice.

It really is an ideal way for those not confident enough to go out competing to start competing. Or a great way of trying out a more advanced level, or just to keep practising over the winter months for those more experienced competitors not wanting to venture too far. And the beauty of it all is you can compete when you want, where you want, and you don’t have to be particularly smart or have a super clean horse, absolutely ideal for the winter months.

Katrina Hawkridge, Interdressage said:“It is always a pleasure to meet up once a year for the BRC Interdressage League presentation and being able to meet members of the winning Club.

“Feedback for the League and Interdressage, is always so positive and it is heart-warming to hear that Interdressage, after twelve years of offering online video competitions, still continues to encourage and support riders, especially those who are just starting out on their competition path.

“We are lucky to have an excellent team of BD judges and professional coaches to judge our classes and offer feedback for those who need it. Interdressage has developed into a worldwide community without losing the personal touch.”

“Malvern Hills RC has been taking part in the BRC Interdressage League for the past four years. We started off small, with just four members meeting up and having a go at the tests, taking it in turns to film each other and generally just seeing what it is all about. Since then, it’s grown into an important part of our winter schedule, with dedicated filming days each month at our local equestrian centre, ” said Caroline Bates, Malvern Hills Chairman.

Last seasons overall Individual winner Henrietta Senn competed with her horse Bobby. She said:”I started entering Interdressage as I didn’t have the confidence to go out to competitions. With brilliant feedback on the test sheets I have learned so much and now go out competing as well as still doing Interdressage online.”

Interdressage is open to anyone, anywhere and is enjoyed by riders worldwide. All standards of riders are catered for and there is a wide variety of dressage, showing and Baroque style classes to choose from every month.

This innovative format makes it possible for anyone, anywhere to compete from the convenience and familiarity of their own arena, online, via video in monthly competitions.

BRC is a National Organisation of 480 affiliated Riding Clubs and Riding Club Centres, operating under the umbrella of The British Horse Society. With over 31,000 members of all ages, these clubs span the length and breadth of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, from the Orkneys to the Channel Islands. The aim of BRC is to reach all types of horse/pony and rider, from the dedicated competitor to the recreational rider. Through our network of affiliated riding clubs and riding club centres, we offer a whole range of support and encouragement for our grass roots members, including competitions, lessons, training and social activities, aimed at both junior and senior riders. Riders can also join BRC as an individual member.

The British Horse Society

As the largest equine charity in the UK, The British Horse Society is dedicated to equine welfare, protecting and increasing access to bridleways and equestrian routes, safety for horse and riders, and education. The Society’s thriving and active community of staff and volunteers is committed to improving the lives of horses everywhere.

Interdressage

Interdressage was launched in 2007 by Equine Physiotherapist and Freelance Riding Coach, Karina Hawkridge and British Dressage judge and Equestrian Artist, Glynis Mills. It is the original online dressage and showing competition website. Interdressage is open to anyone, anywhere and is enjoyed by riders worldwide. All standards of riders are catered for and there is a wide variety of dressage, showing and Baroque style classes to choose from every month. This innovative format makes it possible for anyone, anywhere to compete from the convenience and familiarity of their own arena, online, via video in monthly competitions.

Following the success of the 2019 Horse of the Year Show, the showing judges for the 2020 Show have been announced.

Each year the NEC transforms into a hub for equestrian fans as they arrive in their masses to compete or watch who will be crowned the ultimate horse or pony of the year for their given discipline and Championship.

The 2020 Horse of the Year Show will take place from Wednesday October 7 to – Sunday October 11, with the first qualifier taking place in spring. Here is a list of the judges for HOYS 2020:

Class

Conformation

Ride/Show

British Ridden Heavy Horse

W E Massey

Jack Cochrane

Children’s Riding Pony of the Year

Penny Clifford

Stephanie Smith

Cob of the Year

Moggy Hennessey

Kathleen Barley

Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year

Philippa Kirby

Emma Boardman

Supreme In-Hand Championship

Charles Gordon-Watson

Rosemary Rennocks

Hack of the Year

Anne Varley

Lucinda Haines

Harness Champion of the Year

Vanessa Neal

Allen King

Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year

Jack Cochrane

Hannah Buchanan

Intermediate Show Riding Type of the Year

Nigel Oliver

Katie Davis

Junior M&M Ridden Pony of the Year

Vivien Hampton

Adrienne Dale

Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year

John Maynard

Jo Hales

Lead Rein Pony of Hunter Type of the Year

Hannah Buchanan

M&M Mini Pony of the Year

Nigel Oliver

M&M Ridden Pony of the Year

To be released at a later date due to possible reformatting of the class

M&M Working Hunter Pony of the Year

Lorayne Ahmet

Anna Stevens

Maxi Cob of the Year

John Poole

Kathleen Barley

Mini Show Pony of the Year

Anne Leaver

Miniature Horse of the Year

John Maynard

Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year

Anne Leaver

Sarah Coulter

Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year

Annette Dixon

Jordan Cook

Riding Horse of the Year

TBC

John Poole

Shire Horse of the Year

Richard Green

Show Hunter of the Year

Mary Low

Louise Daly

Show Hunter Pony of the Year

Phillip Williams

Clare Frost

Small Show Hunter of the Year

Angus McDonald

Margaret Hopkins

Supreme Horse and Pony of the Year

To be confirmed

Working Hunter of the Year

Angus McDonald

Margaret Hopkins

Working Hunter Pony of the Year

Sarah Coulter

Peter Molloy

The M&M Ridden Pony of the Year judges will be released later this autumn while changes to the class format are discussed.

A list of qualifying shows/venues will be released in due course and tickets will go on sale in the New Year for what promises to be another exceptional event. For show information, visit https://hoys.co.uk/

Plumpton’s next raceday is on Monday November 4, when there is more than £65,000 prizemoney on offer. This includes the first running of a new £20,000 handicap hurdle race and six other highly competitive races on the card.

Colin Brown will host a panel in the Chasers Bar at the Lewes Stand from noon onwards for a Jump Season Preview. Hayley Moore and Simon Holt will also be joining him. Simon Holt will give his thoughts and some jockeys and trainers with runners on the day will also take part, making this an excellent preview to the 2019/20 National Hunt Season both at Plumpton and further afield.

Plenty of competitive action at Plumpton

There is the chance to sample some of Plumpton’s top-notch hospitality whilst at Plumpton. There is still availability in the Paddock Restaurant and also a few Hospitality Boxes are free as well. To book or inquire about availability please call the racecourse office on 01273 890383 or email hospitality@plumptonracecourse.co.uk

Celebrate Christmas in style with a day at the Races!

With fixtures on the December 2 and 16, there is also the opportunity to enjoy a real festive atmosphere at Plumpton. Some festive food and drink will be on offer, while the first 250 racegoers through the gates will receive mince pies and mulled wine.

The British Horse Society has announced the return of its charity flat race at Newbury Racecourse. Following the success of last year’s race which saw £25,000 raised for the charity, 12 new amateur jockeys have stepped up to take on the challenge for 2019.

A brand new set of aspiring jockeys will be heading to the starting line at Newbury Racecourse on November 7 to take part in The British Horse Society’s annual one mile charity flat race.

These jockeys, including international eventer Nick Gauntlett, will be training and racing towards a £2,500 fundraising target in aid of a BHS charity campaign of their choice. Before the race day, the jockeys are required to complete a gruelling fitness test to ensure they comply with racing fitness standards.

Eventer Nick Gauntlett will take part in the race. Photo: British Eventing

Tracy Casstles, Director of Fundraising at The British Horse Society said: “I am delighted to introduce our inspiring set of jockeys who will be riding in our charity flat race. The jockey’s training has been intense and unlike any riding or training many of them have done before so it’s certainly putting them through their paces.

“Last year’s race ended in an exciting dead heat and the £25,000 raised made a huge contribution to our charitable work. We look forward to another phenomenal day and seeing if the jockeys can smash last year’s fundraising total.”

The charity race takes place at midday on Thursday November 7. Tickets cost £55 and include entry to the afternoon racing, and to an exclusive lunch and auction.

Sophie Conway, an Australian Rules footballer, is one of the riders taking part Photo: John Smithson

BHS members are entitled to 50% off tickets for afternoon racing using the discount code BHS19 (does not include lunch).

Gate lock manufacturer Zedlock, of Petworth, West Sussex, has launched a range of high security gates. Designed from the ground-up and featuring a range of innovative security features, the gates are ideal for securing compounds, driveways and yards where valuable equipment is stored. At the core of the design was the desire to create an easy-to-operate gate that wasn’t prone to attack by mini cordless grinder.

Zedlock designed the gates in response to the rising frequency of gates being rammed which highlighted the lightweight construction of standard field and yard gates.

One of Zedlock’s high security gates

In addition certain areas are prone to having gates stolen when the typical field gate weighs 20-30Kg so is easily lifted. In contrast the Zedlock gates weigh 70-90Kg.

All gates and posts are hot dip galvanised to EN ISO 1461 and can additionally be powder coated in any RAL colour if required.

The gates are designed to accept all Zedlock variants without drilling, and also feature locking pins at the hinge end, which means that even if the hinges are tampered with the gates will remain in place. Double gates include a drop rod which travels within the gate frame and is locked in the lowered position when the Zedlock sliding bolt is closed.

Showing the lock at close quarters

Zedlock gate posts are 100x100mm with a 4mm wall, and feature five M10 threads on the outside face so installers can attach wire or post and rail to the posts without effort. The gates are made to order due to the number of options available but Zedlock keep a limited quantity in stock.

About
Zedlock was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Petworth, West Sussex. Managing Director, Bruce Robertson, originally designed the Zedlock (Patent No. GB2489293) as a secure and practical alternative to a padlock and chain. Since its introduction, further models and a range of accessories have been developed to widen the application of the lock. Zedlock Limited, Unit 5, Old Station Yard, Station Road, Petworth, GU28 0JF. www.zedlock.com +44(0)1798 342251 sales@zedlock.com

The British Horse Society (BHS) and Canewdon Equestrians have launched a new initiative (18 October) to teach primary school children between the ages of 9-11 years old on how to pass horses safely on the road as pedestrians, cyclists and passengers in a car.

The launch took place at Westerings Primary Academy, along with pupils from Holt Farm Junior School in Essex, where a tragic road accident took place in 2016 resulting in the death of a horse and injury of its rider.

Westering Primary School children learning about horse safety Photo: British Horse Society

Following the launch which is supported by local councillor, Julie Gooding and MP Mark Francois it is hoped that the scheme will be rolled out by the BHS to primary schools across the UK.

The scheme has been developed after alarming statistics revealed over 845 road incidents involving horses and drivers have been reported to the BHS in the last year, with 60 of those happening in the South East of the country, leading to the death of four horses and one person.

The Society collates statistics each year as part of their Dead or Dead Slow campaign to understand the rate of incidents involving horses and riders on UK roads, enabling them to educate all road users and lobby government in making the roads safer for not only horses and riders, but drivers and passengers too, which have played a huge part in implementing.

Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at The British Horse Society said: “We’re really pleased to be working on this fantastic project and one that we hope will eventually be delivered in all primary schools across the UK.

“Our Dead or Dead Slow campaign which educates drivers and horse riders on how to stay safe when they encounter one another on the road has already been hugely successful, but worryingly, only one in 10 incidents are reported to us each year so the actual number is likely to be much higher. By educating children as well as adults, I really believe we can help to save even more lives in the future.”

Claire Lilley from Canewdon Equestrians added: “I am so happy that this important project is finally coming to life. I have been a rider in the area for many years and in that time, I witnessed a tragic car accident involving my friend and her horse, Angel who was sadly killed during the collision.

“Together, with the help of our local councillor, Julie Gooding and MP Mark Francois, Canewdon Equestrians have raised so much awareness on the importance of driving safely around horses and after an initial pilot lesson with some of the local children, it became very clear that not only did they enjoy it but they had a huge part to play in educating the general public.”

Councillor Julie Gooding said “My background of working in schools as a professional youth worker gave me the insight to know the power young minds have when educated at an early age.

“I suggested working with schools to raise awareness of the dangers that can affect vulnerable road users. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and passengers.

“Working with Canewdon Equestrians we devised a fun interactive programme to include role play in all aspects of road users, given that horses are a flight animal. The British Horse Society has supported our initiative and developed it to be acceptable with other road safety authorities.“

Harry Cobden and Colin Tizzard successfully combined to win the opening race at Plumpton with 11-4 second favourite.War Lord. This was a good victory for the horse had chased the leaders and made a mistake three from home, taking the lead at the last and was driven out to win.

War Lord- ridden by Harry Cobden and trained by Colin Tizzard Photo courtesy of Plujmpton Racecourse

The 2-1 Favourite German bred King of the Sand ( Gary and Jamie Moore), could only finish third. jumped left at times, not fluent 4th, headed last, lost 2nd flat, no extra towards finish Runner up Jackson Hill ridden by 3lb claimer Kevin Jones for trainer MF Harris took second place.

The Nick Embiricos Memorial handicap chase over two miles three furlongs attracted just five runners but was won comfortably by Wenceslaus, a seven-year-old gelding trained by David Bridgwater and ridden by Tom Cannon on only his second run over fences, having finished third on his debut.

He is a nice looking chaser in the making, coming home six lengths clear of runner-up Enforcement trained by Martin Keighley and ridden by James Best, with Code of Law ( Neil Mullholland and Robert Dunn) in third place.

In the Novices Handicap Hurdle there was an exciting finish when owner and amateur rider Phillip York partnered his five-year-old bay mare Maegens Moon to her second hurdles victory by just a neck from the David Bridgwater trained Coby Nine, ridden by 5lb claimer Mitchell Bastyan.

Drama followed in the A Spirit Of Love Memorial Race- a chase over two miles and three furlongs when leader My Way, sent off at 10/3, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Adrian Heskin fell at the last obstacle when holding a half a length lead. The race went to 12-1 shot Legal Eyes, trained by Ben Pauling with Nico de Boinville in the saddle.

In the Bob Champion Cancer Trust Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles, Newmarket trainer Lucy Wadham sent out the winner, when five-year-old mare Sambra, ridden by 5lb claimer Maxime Tissier, put in a fine performance to clinch victory in the final stages of the race.

Held up for most of the race, she made progress from four lout, taking the lead at the third and was driven on the flat to win by a short head from Dan McGrue, ridden by Harry Cobden and trained by Paul Nicholls. Lewes trainer Suzy Smith sent out the promising Rosy World to clinch third place.

The Novices Handicap Chase over three miles one furlong saw a good win for Irish bred five-year-old Uallrightharry, trained by Linda Jewell and ridden by Brendan Powell.

The combination beat Irish bred Dont Be Robin, trained by M rs R Ford and ridden by R P McLernon, with Hit The Highway, at 13-2.trained by Chris Gordon and ridden by Tom Cannon finishing close behind in third place.